Six people are facing impaired driving charges after a number of check stops set up Friday in Whitehorse.

M-Division RCMP Cpl. Shawn Pollard said this morning five of the suspected impaired driving arrests made at the check stops were alcohol-related while another was related to drugs.

Pollard also said results from Friday’s check stops in communities across the territory aren’t in yet.

The check stops were part of an ongoing national campaign to crack down on impaired driving, Pollard explained, noting check stops were happening across the country Friday.

Along with particular days identified that focus on enforcement such as Friday, there are also numerous awareness campaigns happening and partnerships in place aimed at ensuring those under the influence of drugs or alcohol don’t get behind the wheel.

As national RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson said: “I encourage all Canadians in this effort to help change attitudes and behaviours, and ultimately to save lives.

“A small decision can have great consequences. Let’s make the right choice before we get behind the wheel. Everyone has the right to come home safe.”

It’s an issue RCMP in the Yukon take seriously, Pollard emphasized.

In addition to the six local RCMP officers who were on-duty for Friday’s check stops, Pollard said four auxiliary officers helped out with the operation, with Chief Supt. Peter Clark, the Yukon’s commanding officer, also taking part.

Pollard went on to note RCMP in the territory receive reports of impaired driving at all hours of the day.

“It’s 24 hours a day,” he said.

As he pointed out, it was just last week when officers received a call from a local business about a customer who staff believed to be impaired and driving.

Thanks to the call, police were able to apprehend the individual within about 20 minutes and remove that driver from the road.

“It is a community problem,” Pollard said, noting his hope members of the public will continue to report possible impaired driving when they see it.